Just getting there was the big prize

A SPOT on the plane to China for the world final went begging, but Camden Haven’s Holden Scramble golf team was just happy to get as far as the top 12 in the national decider.

A few rounds on the first-class Twin Waters Resort Course and a game with touring professional Anthony Summers topped off a great weekend for the team.

The team, consisting of Camden Haven Golf Club professional Luke Garel, Damon Booby, Mark Bird, Scott Slade and Rob Dwyer did well to make the final, and beat out the majority of the other 35,000 scramble entries.

But the luck that had stuck with them throughout the early rounds deserted the quintet at Twin Waters.

Going into the last round, the team was 11 shots off the pace, but as far as Dwyer was concerned, the main prize had already been won and enjoyed.

“The prize is being here,” Dwyer said.

“We had dinners outside at night-time, with guest speakers.”

One of those guest speakers was Karmichael Hunt.

The course was in “outstanding” shape.

“Cooch fairways all the way through,” Dwyer said. “And the greens were to die for.”

It was tough though, with plenty of fairway bunkers.

“Not just one or two, but about 10,” Dwyer said.

The team will come back down to earth today though.

“Back to work tomorrow,” Dwyer said from Newcastle yesterday.

He was thrilled to have Port Macquarie Holden come on board as sponsor this year, for the first time.